Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Gamelan Galak Tika is a contemporary Balinese gamelan ensemble based in the United States. The group was founded in 1993 by Evan Ziporyn, a composer and clarinetist who had studied gamelan music in Bali. Gamelan Galak Tika has since become one of the most prominent and innovative gamelan ensembles in the world, known for its unique blend of traditional Balinese music and contemporary Western styles. The birth of Gamelan Galak Tika can be traced back to Ziporyn's experiences studying gamelan music in Bali in the 1980s. Ziporyn was struck by the beauty and complexity of Balinese gamelan music, which is characterized by intricate rhythms, interlocking melodies, and a wide range of instruments including metallophones, gongs, and drums. He was particularly drawn to the fast and frenetic style of music known as "kebyar," which features rapid-fire rhythms and virtuosic solos. After returning to the United States, Ziporyn began to experiment with incorporating gamelan music into his own compositions. He formed Gamelan Galak Tika in 1993 as a way to explore the possibilities of this fusion of styles. The group's name, "galak tika," means "fierce and modern" in Balinese, reflecting its commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional gamelan music. Gamelan Galak Tika's early performances were characterized by a sense of experimentation and exploration. The group played a mix of traditional Balinese music and Ziporyn's own compositions, which often featured elements of Western classical music, jazz, and rock. The ensemble also experimented with different instrumentations, incorporating instruments like electric guitar and saxophone into the traditional gamelan ensemble. One of Gamelan Galak Tika's early highlights was a performance at the 1994 Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City. The Bang on a Can Marathon is an annual music festival that showcases innovative and experimental music from around the world. Gamelan Galak Tika's performance was a hit with audiences and critics alike, and helped to establish the group as a leading force in the world of contemporary gamelan music. Over the years, Gamelan Galak Tika has continued to push the boundaries of traditional gamelan music. The group has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists, including the Kronos Quartet, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and the Balinese dance troupe Çudamani. These collaborations have resulted in a diverse range of performances and recordings that showcase the group's versatility and creativity. One of Gamelan Galak Tika's most notable collaborations was with the composer Steve Reich. In 1997, the group performed Reich's seminal work "Music for 18 Musicians" at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and helped to cement Gamelan Galak Tika's reputation as a leading interpreter of contemporary classical music. In addition to its collaborations with other artists, Gamelan Galak Tika has also produced a number of acclaimed recordings. The group's debut album, "Fierce and Modern," was released in 1996 and featured a mix of traditional Balinese music and Ziporyn's own compositions. The album received widespread critical acclaim and helped to establish Gamelan Galak Tika as a major force in the world of contemporary gamelan music. Gamelan Galak Tika has also been recognized with a number of awards and honors over the years.

More....